Muslim civil rights group condemns reported U.S. backing for renewed Israeli campaign of forced starvation
(WASHINGTON, D.C., 3/2/2025) – The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), the nation’s largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization, today said the far-right Israeli government’s decision to block all humanitarian aid going into Gaza, which is a war crime under international law, adds to the International Criminal Court’s (ICC) genocide case against Israel.
SEE: Suspension of humanitarian aid to Gaza will lead to more suffering
Media reports indicate that “the Israeli decision to halt aid into Gaza was coordinated with the Trump administration.”
According to the ICC, “Intentionally using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare by depriving them of objects indispensable to their survival, including willfully impeding relief supplies as provided for under the Geneva Conventions” is a war crime.
Last year, CAIR welcomed arrest warrants for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his former defense minister for war crimes and crimes against humanity in the Gaza genocide. The court said both men “bear criminal responsibility for the following crimes as co-perpetrators for committing the acts jointly with others: the war crime of starvation as a method of warfare; and the crimes against humanity of murder, persecution, and other inhumane acts.”
Internationally-respected organizations like Human Rights Watch say, “The Israeli government is using starvation of civilians as a method of warfare in the Gaza Strip, which is a war crime.” Amnesty International concluded that “Israel has committed and is continuing to commit genocide against Palestinians in the occupied Gaza Strip.” A UN Special Committee said: “Israel’s warfare in Gaza is consistent with the characteristics of genocide.”
In a statement, CAIR said:
“The decision by the far-right government of indicted war criminal Benjamin Netanyahu to block all humanitarian aid to the civilian population of Gaza during Ramadan is a clear war crime and is further evidence of Israel’s genocidal intent. It is unconscionable that our nation’s government would reportedly support this crime against humanity.
“Israel’s renewed cruel and illegal campaign of forced starvation adds more evidence to the International Criminal Court’s genocide case against Israeli officials.”
Last week, CAIR welcomed a decision by the governments of South Africa, Malaysia and Colombia to prevent ships carrying weapons shipments for Israel from using their ports. CAIR also urged other nations to follow suit.
CAIR’s mission is to protect civil rights, enhance understanding of Islam, promote justice, and empower American Muslims.
La misión de CAIR es proteger las libertades civiles, mejorar la comprensión del Islam, promover la justicia, y empoderar a los musulmanes en los Estados Unidos.
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CONTACT: CAIR National Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell, 404-285-9530, [email protected]; CAIR Government Affairs Director Robert McCaw, 202-742-6448, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Director Ibrahim Hooper, 202-744-7726, [email protected]; CAIR National Communications Manager Ismail Allison, 202-770-6280, [email protected]